The Art of Whole-Animal Meal Planning

Let’s be honest—opening up your Walden share can sometimes feel like unwrapping a mystery box at a game show. Cue the suspenseful music as you lift the lid to reveal… Beef shank? Bone-in picnic roast? Some chicken leg quarters, perhaps? The truth is, meal prepping with a Walden share requires a bit of culinary agility, but that’s where the fun begins.

Because, while there’s unpredictability, you’re also CERTAIN to get the highest quality regeneratively-raised meat with taste and nutrition you won’t find at a grocery store. No more worrying about having quality meat on hand. And with a few clever hacks, you’ll soon find that meal prepping with Walden is less about rigid schedules and more about creative, delicious spontaneity.

Timing is Everything: Fast and Slow Cuts

Let’s talk timing. One of the smartest ways to meal prep with your Walden share is to determine which cuts are fast-cooking and which require a longer, slower cook. This way, you can plan your meals according to your schedule and even optimize which appliances to use.

For instance, tender cuts like strip steak or chicken breasts are perfect for quick weeknight meals. Fire up the grill, or sear them in a hot pan, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. On the other hand, cuts like beef shank, bone-in picnic roast, or lamb shoulder shine when cooked low and slow. Think of using your slow cooker, instant pot, or Dutch oven for these—they’re ideal for those cozy weekends when you have a bit more time to let the flavors develop.

Planning your meals this way also helps you decide when to cook what during the week. Save those quicker cuts for your busiest days, and reserve the weekend for dishes that benefit from a longer cooking time. Not only does this make your week run smoother, but it also ensures that you’re making the most of each cut’s unique qualities.

Have questions on how to cook a new cut? Head to our cut guide for handy pointers.

Versatility is Key

Next step – embrace versatile recipes that can adapt to different cuts. Depending on the technique called for in a recipe, many different cuts can work, not just the specific meat listed. Take sheet-pan dinners – sausages, chicken thighs and even fish (like haddock or pollock) can all cook quickly and offer a rich, flavorful complement to vegetables and starches. Or a braised dish: this can accommodate a beef shank, bone-in picnic roast, or chicken leg quarters. The beauty of braising is that the method works wonders with a variety of meats, turning tough cuts tender and infusing them with rich, deep flavors. Let the technique guide the meat you select.

Add-ons Are Your Friend

Don’t forget those handy add-ons! Whether it’s a stash of bacon or a dozen pasture-raised eggs, these little extras can fill in the gaps and round out your meals. Subscribing to specials not only ensures they’re in every share, but also entitle you to discounted pricing! They’re the ultimate backup singers, ready to harmonize with the main event, whatever that might be.

Dial in your preferences

The share isn’t a “set it and forget it” product. You can change sizes, protein preferences, custom cuts (for Custom members) and, if you call or email our Member Experience team, even specific requests and exclusions. And this can happen as often as you like. By matching the share to how you eat, cook and live, you ensure you’re getting the most out of Walden – and helping us serve you even better.

How to get there? Just click “Your Share” and “Edit Your Share” to see and change your options (see above).

Think Outside the Box (Cooler Bag)

Here’s the real kicker—sometimes, the best way to meal prep with a Walden share is to lean into the unknown. Yes, it’s a bit of a culinary adventure, but that’s what makes it exciting. Not sure how to cook that lamb shoulder? Give it a braise with some tomatoes and spices, just as you would with beef shank or pork shoulder—you might just surprise yourself with a new favorite.

In the end, it’s all about being open to new tastes and enjoying the ride. Your Walden share might keep you on your toes, but it’ll also keep your kitchen creative, your meals flavorful, and your dinner table full of delicious surprises.

-All of us at Walden